Portland earns playoff spot then settles for draw with RSL

Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake
played out a 0-0 draw at Jeld-Wen Field on Saturday in a battle of the top two
teams in the Western Conference.

Portland clinched its first MLS playoff berth earlier in the day based on results in other games, while RSL remains one point back of the Timbers for the top spot in the conference and could clinch a postseason place on Sunday if San Jose fails to beat the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The result leaves the Timbers one point back of Sporting Kansas City in the
race for the Supporters' Shield, while Red Bull New York can now move to the
top of that table with a win over Houston on Sunday.

Despite a lack of action in front of goal on Saturday, both sides put forth a
spirited effort, although at times the contest got a bit sloppy.

Portland managed to carve out a good chance in the first half when a nice
build up led to Jose Valencia setting up Diego Valeri in a dangerous position,
only for the midfielder to fire his shot over the net.

The second half wasn't much better, but RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando produced a
big save to deny a low shot from Kalif Alhassan at the bottom corner of the
net in the 65th minute.

It was the best chance for either team in the contest as Salt Lake failed to
register a shot on goal and seemed happy to leave Portland with a point.